Wildfires Spread Across Greece

At least six wildfires broke out across Greece on Friday, July 17. The first large-scale fire occurred in Laconia, Peloponnese, where firefighters are still trying to get the situation under control using land vehicles and Canadair aircraft. More than two villages, a children summer camp and several touristic areas have been evacuated, while the fire is quickly spreading toward Neapoli, where citizens have evacuated the city suburbs and Health Center. Later in the day, another two wildfires broke out in Kareas and Koropi, Athens. The Kareas fire has spread toward the districts of Ymittos, Vyronas and Argyroupoli. Residents are helping firefighters in an attempt to save their homes and businesses. No injuries or deaths have been reported yet, but, according to Greek media, a house and a local restaurant have been damaged by the fire. A fourth wildfire occurred near Chalkis, Euboea, where the village of Afrati was evacuated and residents were transferred to safety. According to Greek authorities, the fire continues to blaze out of control. The local mayor warned that the situation is crucial since the fire is burning on a very big front, about 600 meters from the village. Very strong winds are blowing in the area, covering it in smoke and spreading panic on local residents. Early in the afternoon, a fifth wildfire broke out in Malakasa, near Athens, and a sixth one is currently spreading across Argolis, Peloponnese. The fire department does not yet have a clear picture of the situation in these areas.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com

Large wildfires burning near Athens

ATHENS (Reuters) - Smoke from wildfires billowed over Athens on Friday as fires fanned by strong winds and high temperatures burned through woodland around the Greek capital, forcing residents to flee their houses. Dozens of firefighters with 10 fire engines battled the flames. Sor far, no one has been reported injured, fire brigade officials said. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was briefed by officials at the defence ministry about the fires. ...

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT uk.news.yahoo.com

Firemen battle raging wildfire in southern Peloponnese, four villages evacuated

by  KG/XINHUA Greek firemen were battling a large wildfire in southern Peloponnese peninsula on Monday evening, which has led to the evacuation for precaution measures of four small villages, the Fire Brigade said. No injuries or burnt houses have been reported. The blaze has so far damaged forested areas and olive trees, according to local authorities. Approximately 90 firefighters assisted by water-bombing aircraft and helicopters were struggling to keep the flames away from homes and extinguish the two fronts, according to the Fire Brigade. Briefly the blaze which spread amidst strong winds reached close to the archaeological site of the Ancient city of Messini, about 250 kilometers south of Athens, officials said. They assured that the ruins and the museum were not threatened. Greece has been suffering each summer from destructive wildfires which are linked to scorching temperatures and arsons. In 2007 in the worst wildfire-linked tragedy in decades, over 80 people died during major wildfires across Greece.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.neurope.eu